COURTHOUSE JUDGE DISCOVERS MASTERPIECES

No jury was needed in THIS contest. Judge Barbara Rinehart of the Composite Clay Studio in Dousman chose Joanna Pauc of Mukwonago as the $350 first prize winner in the 43rd Waukesha County Courthouse Art Purchase Contest. The winning artwork is a spectacularly contrived wood fired ceramic 3D depiction of small gas can entitled, “Gas Can.” It will take its place of honor along with previous first place winners in the permanent courthouse art collection. A brass plate with the title of the piece, medium, the artist’s name, home city and year of the award will accompany the work.

Second prize (watercolor) went to Julie Nusbaum of Menominee Falls. Joe Veltman of New Berlin came away with third prize (watercolor). Winners of six Honorable Mentions were Mark Haagensen of Oconomowoc (acrylic), Shirley Seltzer of Delafield (watercolor), Margaret Schumann of North Prairie (watercolor), Janet McIver of Waukesha (oil), Janet Knapp of Pewaukee (pastel) and Janet Schoenwetter (acrylic) of Hartland.

The forty-some winners and entries in the contest will grace the walls of the interconnecting hallway on the courthouse lower level through October. The exhibit is open to the public.

The annual Waukesha County Courthouse Art Purchase Contest is co-sponsored by the Waukesha Creative Arts League and the Waukesha County Courthouse and is open to any non-professional Waukesha County artist 18 years and older. At their informal meetings WCAL members learn through art demonstrations and critiques by local artists, teachers, and professionals who share their art expertise and vision. WCAL also participates in the Wisconsin Regional Art Program, awards art scholarships to area High School Seniors and has a public member exhibit. Members also can show their works at local libraries and other venues.

The next WCAL meeting is at 6:30pm, Wednesday, October 21 at the Waukesha Goodwill Industries building, 1400 Nike Drive, Waukesha. It’s a great meeting place with ample parking.